“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7

We must not be afraid. It is as simple as that. We do not have time to be fearful about the day in which we are living, what will happen tomorrow, or if our teens will rebel if we set boundaries. I am convinced that fear is one of the most powerful weapons of the enemy—possibly his most powerful. He has made us scared to take a stand, too faint-hearted to trust God for the outcome, and afraid to hope that tomorrow will be better. But no more.

There is nothing closer to the heart of parents than their family. Praying for your family can seem like a last resort, a defensive response to an attack of the enemy.   Many prayers I have offered for my family over the years have been in times of desperation and fear over the current situation or a dreamed-up horrific scenario about what lay around the corner. Prayer for my family has often been done in private, in whispers, with tears streaming down my face.

But let me assure you, when you take a knee at 5:00 a.m. with a cup of coffee, your robe, and your Bible, the scene may seem very “Norman Rockwell” to you. But the enemy’s view is something quite different: you look like David, full of unabashed belief in the Most High, walking onto a battlefield in God’s armor—His Word as your sword and your words of praise and adoration to your God a war cry in the enemy’s ears. You are unafraid and standing your ground on behalf of those you love.

Lord, I ask You to protect our families. I thank You, Father, that You have given Your angels charge of them. You go before and behind them. You have armed us for battle and we are not afraid. You have given us Your Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. I thank You that our families are called to make an impact, and we take an offensive posture against our enemy. Lord, grant our families favor, influence, boldness, and strength to declare Your Great Name and goodness to all. Thank You, Father that You appoint Your love and faithfulness to protect our families. We trust You to protect, guide, and direct them and use them as You will for Your glory. We love you.

Ephesians 6:11—“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Psalm 127:3—“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

Joshua 24:15b—“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Proverbs 1:8—“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”

John 17:1—“I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one.”

Romans 12:2—“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Praying for you as you pray for your family.

My love,

 

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